You’ve booked your glamping holiday at Aran Camping and Glamping, and can’t wait to go! First, though, you are going to need to pack. The question is, what should you take with you? This quick guide goes over some of the essentials.
Glamping in Ireland
If you are counting down the days until your glamping holiday in Ireland, you might want to think about some of the things you should take with you. As you will be staying in a fully equipped glamping unit, you don’t need to bring as much as you might on a regular camping holiday, but with that said, there are perhaps one or two items you might not have thought about. Whilst this list isn’t exhaustive, it does give you a good base from where to start on what to bring and not bring with you.
What To Take With You
Clothes
You are obviously going to need to pack some clothes, and normally you would pack clothes depending on the season you are visiting. It’s fair to say, that Ireland can be a bit different though! Sure, you might have a nice hot Summer’s day when you arrive, but the next day the temperature could drop, rain could appear, or the wind could pick up. Knowing about this change of weather is particularly important especially if you plan to do any hiking during your holiday. Plan your clothes around a ‘layering’ system, and this way you have every eventuality covered! A warm fleece or coat for the evenings is advisable, as is a rain jacket if you intend to do any hiking. In the summer you will want a sunhat, and if you are feeling brave, something to swim in. During the other months, a warm hat and maybe even gloves might be good options. Spare footwear is also a smart choice in case you get a pair wet, and spare clothes for the kids in case they get wet and muddy is always advisable. The rule of thumb – Pack for the worst, and hope for the best!
Shoes
We’ve touched briefly on shoes, but if you plan to do any hiking a comfortable pair of walking shoes is always an advantage. Whilst hiking on the Aran Islands is not technical in nature, a dedicated pair of comfy shoes is always a bonus. In the Summer, you might want to pack a pair of flip-flops or sandals. Having a spare pair of shoes is always a good idea in case one pair gets wet during the holiday.
Towels and Bedding
All bedding is provided in the glamping units at Aran Camping and Glamping, so there is no need to bring any additional sheets. Comfortable pillows and duvets are provided, and the units are all heated in case you are staying when the nights get a little chillier. You’ll need to bring your toiletries with you, but that’s it!

Food
Inis Mór has plenty of shops, stores, and places to eat, so you are never going to go hungry! However, if you have any special dietary requirements, you might want to make sure you bring some items with you which you might consider ‘non-standard’. A full range of gluten-free products might not be available, for example. You can also make use of the shared kitchen and BBQ that are on the glamping site if you prefer to make your own meals. Eating alfresco is perfect on a warm Summer’s evening!
Binoculars
This might seem a bit random, but hear us out! If there is one place on earth to bring a pair of binoculars, it’s Inis Mór. They will help you more than ever when looking down expansive stretches of coastline. You’ll be able to pick out nesting birds from a distance and can even see more clearly back to the mainland. At night, why not use them to look up at the stars? You will be amazed at how big our universe feels when you are enjoying time on the deck outside your glamping pod looking up at the sky at night. A glass of wine at the same time is purely optional!
A Smile
No holiday is complete without a smile, so bring one along with you! We’re sure you are going to love it on Inis Mór and take away many happy memories with you.
What to leave behind
#MondayMotivation #Camping #Glamping #Galway #Ireland #WildAtlanticWay pic.twitter.com/AIuXyG79qw — Aran Islands Camping and Glamping (@AranCamping) June 3, 2019
Gadgets
We would say that you should leave behind as many gadgets as you can. Who wants to be looking at Netflix when you have an amazing star-filled sky to look at? Who wants to check email, when there are new friends to be made and music to be listened to at a traditional Irish pub? Sure, take your phone and use it for videos and photos to share with your family and friends, but enjoy your time ‘in the moment’ more. The laptop can stay at home!
The Car
You will need to leave your car behind at the ferry port at either Doolin or Rossaveal outside of Galway before travelling to Inis Mór as the ferries do not carry cars. The great news though, is that Inis Mór is compact enough to get around either by hiking or by hiring a bicycle. This will bring you even closer to feeling at one with nature. An important point to remember is that any items that you want to bring with you, will need to fit in luggage you can carry yourself. Parking is available at both ports for your vehicle.
Further Information
If you have any further questions as to what you should or shouldn’t bring with you for your glamping holiday at Aran Camping and Glamping, please get in touch with our team. We will be happy to answer, and also provide any further information about the island you require. Here’s to planning your perfect getaway break on the Aran Islands!